This report explores the current and future potential for innovation in the built environment. We believe that embracing and fostering innovation in health and wellbeing is imperative; the promotion of good health and wellbeing is not just clinical but should also be embedded holistically within communities as part of everyday life.

As our population continues to age, the demand for robust health and care services continues to grow. ILC-UK established this Commission with the support of the Audley Group and EY to examine the potential for innovation in the areas of health and wellbeing to ensure that such services remain sustainable, address needs efficiently, and contribute to positive experiences in later life.

This report on the Built Environment is one of four publications from ILC-UK’s Health and Wellbeing Innovation Commission Inquiry. Each of the four reports is based on an oral evidence session where expert witnesses gave evidence to the commissioners, as well as further research from ILC-UK.

A team of 10 Commissioners heard evidence from a total of 20 expert witnesses over four separate sessions, looking at what ‘good’ innovation looks like and how we can stimulate it to improve health and wellbeing so that all people can age well into the future.

It took evidence and published reports in four separate areas:

1. Retirement communities and care homes
2. The built environment including transport, planning and design
3. Physical and mental health
4. Social connections including isolation and loneliness

This Commission Inquiry has been the first to bring together all these different strands and assess where good innovation is happening and where a renewed focus needs to be for all people to age well in the future.

Built Environment – including transport, planning and design

This report explores the current and future potential for innovation in the built environment. We believe that embracing and fostering innovation in health and wellbeing is imperative; the promotion of good health and wellbeing is not just clinical but should also be embedded holistically within communities as part of everyday life. Having a home that is accessible if you have physical impairments, a local environment that can encourage physical activity and a transport system that allows you to access services and maintain social connections are all important to a person’s health and wellbeing.

This report sets out examples of effective innovation in the area of the built environment, opportunities and barriers to further innovation, and recommendations.

Author: Sally Bowell